Compositions and methods of using chondroitinase ABCI mutants

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to protein and nucleic acid mutants of chondroitinase ABCI. Such nucleic acid mutants encode for chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes exhibiting altered chondroitin lyase activity or increased resistance to inactivation from stressors including UV light or heat. Methods of using such nucleic acid mutants encoding chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/849,420, filed Mar. 22, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,102,930, which is continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/781,762, filed May 17, 2010, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,404,232, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/870,350, filed Oct. 10, 2007, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,722,864, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/828,800 filed Oct. 10, 2006.

BACKGROUND

The spinal cord is made up of nerve fibers. Damage to the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, results in a loss of function. The most common types of spinal cord injuries (SCI) include contusions (bruising of the spinal cord) and compression injuries (caused by prolonged pressure on the spinal cord). After a spinal cord injury in the adult mammal, the inability of axons to regenerate may lead to loss of sensation, loss of motor function and/or loss of autonomic function, as well as permanent paralysis. One reason that neurons fail to regenerate is their inability to traverse the glial scar that develops following a spinal cord injury. The injury-induced lesion will develop glial scarring, which contains extracellular matrix molecules including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). CSPGs inhibit nerve tissue growth in vitro and nerve tissue regeneration at CSPGs rich regions in vivo. CSPGs are implicated in various other conditions including, for example, inflammation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides mutants of a chondroitinase ABCI enzyme.

In preferred embodiments, such chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes exhibit enhanced activity. In other preferred embodiments, such chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes exhibit enhanced resistance to inactivation, including inactivation from UV or heat exposure. Preferably, a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention is selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

The nucleotide sequence of wild type chondroitinase ABCI of Proteus vulgaris is set forth as SEQ ID NO:7 and the amino acid sequence of chondroitinase ABCI is set forth as SEQ ID NO:8.

The invention includes nucleic acids encoding the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes of the invention and methods of their use. In an embodiment, the invention includes a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). Preferably, a nucleic acid sequence of the invention is selected from 055D2-3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:9), 079B6-2 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:10), 079D2-2 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:11), 057G1-1 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:12), 023G6-4 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:13) 005B12-3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO: 14), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of treating a patient in need of neurological functional recovery, including sensory, motor and autonomic function, after, for example, central nervous system (“CNS”) injury or disease. The ABCI mutant enzymes of the invention can also be used to degrade CSPGs. Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention includes a method of degrading one or more CSPGs using a composition comprising an ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention. Preferably a composition of the invention effective for promoting neurological functional recovery comprises a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for modifying access of cells to extravascular spaces and regions, comprising administering to a patient a composition comprising an enzyme of the invention. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of reducing penetration of cells associated with inflammation into tissue of a patient. Preferably, the enzyme is selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for inhibiting extravasation of cells associated with inflammation from blood vessels, comprising administering to a patient a composition comprising an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. In an embodiment, an enzyme of the invention prevents cells selected from the group consisting of white blood cells, leukocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, B-cells, T-cells, monocytes, and macrophages from leaving the blood stream. Preferably, the enzyme is selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating inflammation in a patient comprising administering to the patient an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Preferably, the enzyme is selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). In various embodiments of the present invention, inflammation is associated with disease or injury, such as chronic inflammatory disease and central nervous system disease.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of preventing inflammation in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a composition comprising an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Preferably, the enzyme is selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of treating inflammation in a patient, comprising extracting cells associated with inflammation from a patient, subjecting the cells to an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans ex vivo to modify the cells, and administering the modified blood cells into the patient. Preferably, the enzyme is selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

In an embodiment, an enzymes of the present invention is used to treat a patient in need of regeneration of damaged neurological tissue. In another embodiment, an enzyme of the invention is used to facilitate diffusion and transport of therapeutic molecules capable of blocking and/or overcoming the activity of neuronal growth inhibitory molecules into damaged or diseased tissue. Embodiments of the present invention include compositions comprising chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes of the invention and methods for their use to facilitate delivery and diffusion of therapeutics or diagnostic agents, and agents that promote regeneration of nerves and axons, into cells or tissues. Preferably a composition of the invention is effective in the regeneration of damaged neurological tissue or to facilitate diffusion or transport. In an embodiment, a composition of the invention comprises a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

Further embodiments relate to methods of promoting neuronal outgrowth and use in treating spinal cord injuries and related disorders of the CNS by administering such a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme. Preferably a composition of the invention effective for promoting neuronal outgrowth comprises a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In part, other aspects, features, benefits and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows relative mutant chondroitinase protein levels in whole cell lysates, as more fully described below in Example 3.

FIG. 2 shows the results of a stability assay of mutant chondroitinase ABCI whole cell lysates at 37° C., as more fully described in Example 3.

FIG. 3 shows the results of a stability assay of semi-purified mutant chondroitinase ABCI enzymes, as more fully described in Example 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present compositions and methods are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular molecules, compositions, methodologies or protocols described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “cell” is a reference to one or more cells and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

As used herein, the term “about” means plus or minus 10% of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used. Therefore, about 50% means in the range of 45%-55%.

“Administering” when used in conjunction with a therapeutic means to administer a therapeutic directly into or onto a target tissue or to administer a therapeutic to a patient whereby the therapeutic positively impacts the tissue to which it is targeted. Thus, as used herein, the term “administering,” can include, but is not limited to, providing an enzyme into or onto a target tissue; providing an enzyme systemically to a patient by, e.g., intravenous injection whereby the therapeutic reaches the target tissue; providing an enzyme in the form of the encoding sequence thereof to the target tissue (e.g., by so-called gene-therapy techniques).

The term “animal” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, humans and non-human vertebrates such as wild, domestic and farm animals.

The term “improves” is used to convey that the present invention changes either the appearance, form, characteristics and/or the physical attributes of the target to which it is being provided, applied or administered. The change may be demonstrated by any of the following alone or in combination, including degradation of the CSPGs of the lesioned area of the spinal cord or within the CNS or restoring, in whole or in part, motor, sensory or autonomic function of the mammal.

The term “inhibiting” includes administering a compound of the present invention to prevent the onset of the symptoms, alleviating the symptoms, or eliminating the disease, condition or disorder.

By “pharmaceutically acceptable,” it is meant the carrier, diluent or excipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

The term “recombinant protein” refers to a polypeptide of the present invention which is produced by recombinant DNA techniques, wherein generally, DNA encoding a polypeptide is inserted into a suitable expression vector which is in turn used to transform a host cell to produce the protein. Moreover, the phrase “derived from,” with respect to a recombinant gene, is meant to include within the meaning of “recombinant protein” those proteins having an amino acid sequence of a native protein, or an amino acid sequence similar thereto which is generated by mutations including substitutions and deletions (including truncation) of a naturally occurring form of the protein.

As used herein, the term “therapeutic” means an agent utilized to treat, combat, ameliorate, prevent or improve an unwanted condition or disease of a patient. In part, embodiments of the present invention are directed to the treatment of the central nervous system, such as degradation of the CSPGs of a lesioned area of spinal cord or within the CNS, or restoration, in whole or in part, of a motor, sensory or autonomic function of the mammal. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to inhibiting extravasation of cells. Yet other embodiments of the invention are directed to enhancing or facilitating diffusion, as discussed herein. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to treating or preventing inflammation.

The terms “therapeutically effective amount” or “effective amount”, as used herein, may be used interchangeably and refer to an amount of a therapeutic compound component of the present invention. For example, a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic compound is a predetermined amount calculated to achieve the desired effect, i.e., to effectively treat an injury to the central nervous system. For example, a therapeutic compound comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a chondroitinase formulated to provide a stable, active enzyme, is sufficient to degrade the CSPGs of a lesioned area of the spinal cord or an amount sufficient to restore, in whole or in part, a motor, sensory or autonomic function of the mammal and may result in a regeneration of neurons in a central nervous system, such as by promoting axonal growth into an injured area. A therapeutically effective amount also includes an amount effective to degrade CSPGs and thereby promote recovery of neurological function. A therapeutically effective amount also includes an amount sufficient to modify extravasation of cells or to reduce or prevent inflammation.

The terms “treat,” “treated,” or “treating” as used herein refers to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic or preventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent or slow down (lessen) an undesired physiological condition, disorder or disease, or to obtain beneficial or desired clinical results. For the purposes of this invention, beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, alleviation of symptoms; diminishment of the extent of the condition, disorder or disease; stabilization (i.e., not worsening) of the state of the condition, disorder or disease; delay in onset or slowing of the progression of the condition, disorder or disease; amelioration of the condition, disorder or disease state; and remission (whether partial or total), whether detectable or undetectable, or enhancement or improvement of the condition, disorder or disease. Treatment includes eliciting a clinically significant response without excessive levels of side effects. Treatment also includes prolonging survival as compared to expected survival if not receiving treatment.

The process of “extravasation” is known as the transmigration of cells, such as leukocytes, from a blood vessel into the extravascular space, and may further include migration into surrounding tissue. As used herein the term “leukocyte” is used to refer to the class of cells associated with inflammation, which may also be defined as any of the various blood cells that have a nucleus and cytoplasm. Also known as white blood cells, leukocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, such as B-cells, T-cells, monocytes and macrophages. Four types of leukocytes are particularly important in immune defense, including neutrophils, which release several antibacterial proteins; monocytes, which are the precursors of macrophages that engulf and destroy foreign particles, and T and B lymphocytes, which are the antigen-recognizing cells of the immune cells.

The term “vector” refers to a vehicle which can transport the nucleic acid molecules. The nucleic acid molecules encoding the chondroitinase polypeptide are covalently linked to the vector nucleic acid. With this aspect of the invention, the vector can be, for example, a plasmid, single or double stranded phage, a single or double stranded RNA or DNA viral vector, or artificial chromosome, such as a BAC, PAC, YAC, OR MAC.

One embodiment of the present invention provides mutants of chondroitinase ABCI. In a preferred embodiment, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes and nucleic acids encoding them are those of the isolated clones selected from 055D2-3 (deposited with American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209 on Sep. 26, 2007 and having ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8661) (SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:9), 079B6-2 (deposited with ATCC on Sep. 26, 2007 and having ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8662) (SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:10), 079D2-2 (deposited with ATCC on Sep. 26, 2007 and having ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8659) (SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:11), 021B8-3 (deposited with ATCC on Sep. 26, 2007 and having ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657), 057G1-1 (deposited with ATCC on Sep. 26, 2007 and having ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8658) (SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO: 12), 023G6-4 (deposited with ATCC on Sep. 26, 2007 and having ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8663) (SEQ ID NO:5 and SEQ ID NO:13) and 005B12-3 (deposited with ATCC on Sep. 26, 2007 and having ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8660) (SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO:14). The nucleotide sequence of chondroitinase ABCI is set forth as SEQ ID NO. 7 and the amino acid sequence of chondroitinase ABCI is set forth as SEQ ID NO. 8.

The ATCC deposits referred to herein will be maintained under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Micro-Organisms for purposes of Patent Procedure. These deposits are provided merely as convenience to those of skill in the art and are not an admission that a deposit is required under 35 U.S.C. §112. The sequence(s) of the polynucleotides contained in the deposited materials, as well as the amino acid sequence of the polypeptides encoded thereby, are incorporated herein by reference and are controlling in the event of any conflict with any description of sequences herein. A license may be required to make, use or sell the deposited materials, and no such license is hereby granted.

One embodiment of the present invention provides mutants of chondroitinase ABCI. In preferred embodiments, such chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes exhibit enhanced activity. In an embodiment, an enzyme of the invention has an enzyme activity level (as measured by its ability to degrade a CSPG substrate) that is up to about two times greater than the activity level of the corresponding wild type enzyme. In another embodiment, an enzyme of the invention has an enzyme activity level that is up to about three times greater than the activity of the corresponding wild type chondroitinase. In an embodiment, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes are selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), and 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5).

The invention includes nucleic acids encoding the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes of the invention having enhanced activity, and methods of their use. In an embodiment, the invention includes nucleic acid sequences that encode the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). Preferably, a nucleic acid sequence of the invention is selected from 055D2-3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:9), 079B6-2 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:10), 079D2-2 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:11), 057G1-1 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:12), 023G6-4 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:13) 005B12-3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO: 14), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

In other preferred embodiments, such chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes exhibit enhanced resistance to inactivation. In an embodiment, enhanced resistance to inactivation permits an enzyme of the invention to remain active following a stress (such as heat or UV) for a time that is up to about ten-fold longer than for the corresponding wild type chondroitinase. For example, if a wild type chondroitinase maintains measureable activity for up to about 3 days, a chondroitinase enzyme of the invention maintains measurable activity for up to about 30 days under the same conditions. In an embodiment, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes having increased resistance to inactivation are selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), and 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5).

The invention includes nucleic acids encoding the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes of the invention having enhanced resistance to inactivation, and methods of their use. In an embodiment, the invention includes nucleic acid sequences that encode the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). Preferably, a nucleic acid sequence of the invention is selected from 055D2-3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:9), 079B6-2 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:10), 079D2-2 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:11), 057G1-1 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:12), 023G6-4 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:13) 005B12-3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO: 14), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

In a further embodiment, a mutant chondroitinase ABCI enzyme is provided having increased stability. The enzyme exhibits increased resistance to inactivation under stressed conditions, including exposure to UV light or heat, as compared to that of wild-type ABCI enzyme. In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme exhibits increased stability compared to wild-type chondroitinase ABCI enzyme following a challenge by a stress. In an embodiment, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes having increased stability are selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), and 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5).

The enzymes of the invention may be used to prevent, treat and alleviate symptoms of inflammation and inflammatory states. In an embodiment, a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention is used to prevent, treat or alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases. A chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention may be used to treat inflammation associated with pain, injection and diseased states. An enzyme of the invention may be used to prevent tissue damage that is associated with inflammatory processes. Several conditions, including chronic inflammatory diseases, may benefit from controlled immune response. Some examples of chronic inflammatory diseases include Asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). An enzyme of the invention may also be used to regulate the inflammatory state associated with one or more disease selected from the group consisting of central nervous system disorders, central nervous system diseases, spinal cord injury, and cardiovascular diseases.

Inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and diseases with an inflammatory component that may be treated with a composition comprising an enzyme of the invention also include Multiple Sclerosis, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteo arthritis, Lupus, Wegener's granulomatosis, Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's colitis, ulcerative colitis, Asthma, Chlamydia infections, Syphilis, Thyroiditis, Temporal arteritis, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriasis, Vasculitiditis such as: temporal arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, syphilitic aortitis, infectious aneurisms, atherosclerotic aneurisms, inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms, polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease, Churg-Strauss, hypersensitivity vasculitis, Buerger's disease, mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, Churg-Strauss, primary angiitis of the CNS, drug induced vasculitis, any secondary arteritis or venulitis, Gout, Pseudogout, Sarcoidosis, Sjogren's Syndrome, Myelitis, Salpingitis of any etiology, Uveitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Glomerulonephritis of any etiology, Goodpasture's syndrome, Pericarditis, Myocarditis, Endocarditis, and Pancreatitis.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for modifying access of cells to extravascular spaces and regions comprising administering to a patient a composition comprising a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of reducing penetration of cells associated with inflammation into tissue of a patient comprising administering to a patient a composition comprising an enzyme of the invention.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method for inhibiting extravasation of cells associated with inflammation from blood vessels comprising administering to a patient a composition comprising a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention. The enzyme of the invention may prevent extravasation of cells selected from the group selected from the group consisting of white blood cells, leukocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, B-cells, T-cells, monocytes, and macrophages cells from leaving the blood stream.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of treating inflammation in a patient, the method comprising extracting circulating cells from a patient, subjecting the cells to a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention ex vivo to modify the cells, and administering the modified blood cells into the patient. Therefore, the use of the enzymes described herein may also be directed to ex vivo treatments.

Extraction of cells may be accomplished by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, intravenous blood withdrawal, transfusion, dialysis, bypass, organ transplant and other similar methods that result in removal of cells from the body. Administration of the cells may be accomplished by the same methods used to extract the cells, including, but not limited to, intravenous administration, transfusion, dialysis, bypass, organ transplant and the like.

A circulating leukocyte with ligands expressed on its surface containing carbohydrate chains may be extracted from a patient and modified ex vivo by one or more of the ABCI mutant enzymes of the invention. Extraction may be accomplished by blood draw, transfusion, dialysis, bypass, or organ transplant. As described, a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention modifies the carbohydrate chains. Once modified, the leukocytes may be reintroduced into a patient's blood stream. Modified leukocytes will be incapable of adhering to endothelial expressed selectins, mucins, and integrins. Timing of an extraction and reintroduction into the bloodstream may be optimized by observing the inflammatory response and the appearance of leukocytes in the blood stream, once said cells are signaled to specific sites of injury or infection. As a result, extravasation of leukocytes into tissue may be regulated, prevented, reduced, or controlled. Such regulation may be used in methods and treatments as directed to control and treat inflammatory response and diseases with an inflammatory component.

The compositions of the present invention can be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries and in the promotion of regeneration of axons. The compositions of the present invention can also be used to promote plasticity, regrowth, repair, and/or regeneration of dysfunctional neurons in the CNS that have been damaged as a result of disease, such as degenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Advantageously, the use of proteoglycan degrading polypeptides or membrane transducing polypeptides in the compositions of the present invention also promote diffusion and access of damage or diseased tissue to other therapeutic agents promoting the regeneration of neurons.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a method of treating central nervous system injuries comprising administering a composition comprising a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme. In preferred embodiments, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme is administered in a therapeutically effective amount. In a preferred embodiment, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme used for treating central nervous system injuries is selected from the group consisting of 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), and 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5). Such central nervous system injuries may include, but are not limited to, spinal cord injuries, including trauma induced injuries, contusions, or compress injuries.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method promoting neuronal outgrowth comprising administering a composition comprising a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme. In preferred embodiments, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme is administered in a therapeutically effective amount. In a preferred embodiment, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme that promotes neuronal outgrowth is selected from the group consisting of 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). More preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), and 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5).

Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for promoting neurological functional recovery after central nervous system (“CNS”) injury or disease. In preferred embodiments, the chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme is administered in a therapeutically effective amount. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method of utilizing chondroitinase to promote sensory, motor or autonomic neurological functional recovery following injury in or to the spinal cord. Compositions useful in this method include acceptable formulations of a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention, including, for example, immediate release and sustained release formulations of enzyme. The present invention is also directed to a method of promoting neurological functional recovery after a contusion injury to the spinal cord. The most common types of spinal cord injuries (SCI) include contusions (bruising of the spinal cord) and compression injuries (caused by pressure on the spinal cord). In contusion injuries, the most common type of injury, a cavity or hole often forms in the center of the spinal cord. The ABCI mutant enzymes of the invention can also be used to degrade CSPGs. Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention includes a method of degrading one or more CSPGs using a composition comprising an ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention. Preferably a composition of the invention effective for promoting neurological functional recovery comprises a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

One embodiment of the present invention is a composition and a method for its use that facilitates the access and distribution of a therapeutic and diagnostic agent in the composition into cells, through membranes or into tissues by the use of composition that includes at least one enzyme capable of cleaving proteoglycans. Preferably the composition comprises a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). The molecules or agents in the composition may include one or more of growth factors including, for example, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Insulin-like Growth Factor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor, Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Transforming Growth Factor, Glial Growth Factor 2, L1, GM1, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Nerve Growth Factor, and Immunophilins. The composition in some embodiments comprises a fluorescent or contrast agent for imaging. According to an embodiment, the agent includes a cell for transplant, for example a stem cell or neuron, a cell as a delivery agent, a chemotherapeutic agent, an antibiotic, an antibody, or a Nogo receptor antagonist. The compositions can be used for treating a CNS injury. Preferably the composition is used in the treatment of neuronal damage from a contusion injury.

The treatments described herein deliver an amount of a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme effective to degrade CSPGs and thereby promote, for example, the recovery of neurological function, optionally including a therapeutic agent, to the CNS. Such methods may include optionally administering, in combination with a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention, another chondroitinase, including, but not limited to chondroitinase ABCI, chondroitinase ABCII, chondroitinase AC and chondroitinase B or co-administering a mammalian enzyme with chondroitinase-like activity, such as hyaluronidases Hyal1, Hyal2, Hyal3, Hyal4, and PH20 preferably to the CNS, and more preferably to the lesions of the injured area of the CNS. Once the proteins or polypeptides in the compositions have been purified to the extent desired, they may be suspended or diluted in an appropriate physiological carrier or excipient for treatment.

Chondroitinase may be obtained from various sources, including a microorganism that naturally expresses a chondroitinase; for example, but not limited to, E. coli, Proteus vulgaris, or from the expression of a recombinant protein in a host cell. The host cell can be a prokaryotic cell (such as E. coli) or a eukaryotic cell (such as yeast, a mammalian cell or an insect cell).

The chondroitinase ABCI mutant nucleic acids of the present invention may be obtained by a number of methods known in the art. For example, one may use the polymerase chain reaction and/or other techniques to generate mutations in the wild type P. vulgaris or other chondroitinase encoding sequence. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of making a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme selected from 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657). Preferably, the invention includes a method of making a nucleic acid sequence of the invention, wherein the nucleic acid is selected from 055D2-3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:9), 079B6-2 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:10), 079D2-2 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:11), 057G1-1 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:12), 023G6-4 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:13) 005B12-3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO: 14), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

Expression of a recombinant ABCI mutant nucleic acid sequence of the invention can be performed by ligating a nucleic acid encoding the ABCI mutant protein, or a portion thereof, into a vector suitable for expression in either prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, or both. Procedures for ligation are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Expression vectors for production of recombinant forms of the subject chondroitinase polypeptides include plasmids and other vectors. For instance, suitable vectors for the expression of a chondroitinase ABCI mutant polypeptide include plasmids of the types: pBR322-derived plasmids, pEMBL-derived plasmids, pEX-derived plasmids, pBTac-derived plasmids and pUC-derived plasmids for expression in prokaryotic cells, such as E. coli.

A number of vectors exist for the expression of recombinant proteins in yeast and could be used to express a recombinant ABCI mutant protein of the invention. For instance, YEP24, YIPS, YEP51, YEP52, pYES2, and YRP17 are cloning and expression vehicles useful in the introduction of genetic constructs into S. cerevisiae (see, for example, Broach et al. (1983) in Experimental Manipulation of Gene Expression, ed. M. Inouye Academic Press, p. 83, incorporated by reference herein).

In another embodiment, a chondroitinase ABCI mutant polypeptide of the invention is produced recombinantly utilizing an expression vector generated by subcloning the coding sequence of one of the chondroitinase proteins represented in 055D2-3 (SEQ ID NO:1), 079B6-2 (SEQ ID NO:2), 079D2-2 (SEQ ID NO:3), 057G1-1 (SEQ ID NO:4), 023G6-4 (SEQ ID NO:5) 005B12-3 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and 021B8-3 (ATCC Deposit Designation PTA-8657).

In some instances, it may be desirable to express a recombinant chondroitinase ABCI mutant polypeptide of the invention by the use of an insect expression system such as the baculovirus expression system. Examples of such baculovirus expression systems include pVL-derived vectors (such as pVL1392, pVL1393 and pVL941), pAcUW-derived vectors (such as pAcUW1), and pBlueBac-derived vectors (such as the (3-gal containing pBlueBac III).

The expression vectors and host cells listed herein are provided by way of example only and represent the well-known systems available to those of ordinary skill in the art that may be useful to express the nucleic acid molecules. The person of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of other systems suitable for maintenance propagation or expression of the nucleic acid molecules described herein.

The enzymes of the invention may be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions and formulations. Suitable stable formulations and methods of purification are set forth in co-pending PCT Application No. US2005/017464 filed May 18, 2005 entitled “Methods of Purifying Chondroitinase and Stable Formulations Thereof” herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Various embodiments provide a stable formulation of a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention for both storage and administration. Generally, the enzyme of such stable formulations exhibit at least about 50% of activity at about 24 hours, preferably at least about 75% of activity, more preferably at least about 85% of activity. In another aspect of the invention, the formulations consistently provide stable chondroitinase activity.

In one embodiment, the chondroitinase is formulated in a phosphate buffer, preferably a sodium phosphate buffer with a concentration in the range of about 50 mM to about 1 M. A preferred embodiment is about 750 mM sodium phosphate. Another preferred embodiment is about 100 mM sodium phosphate. In a further embodiment the chondroitinase may be formulated in a sodium phosphate buffer that further comprises sodium acetate. Sodium acetate may be present in the range of 25 mM to about 75 mM. In a preferred embodiment the sodium acetate concentration is about 50 mM. In one embodiment a preferred formulation for administration is a chondroitinase in a buffer with a pH of about 7.4. Further embodiments of formulations for storage and administration are provided in the Examples described.

In further embodiments, a formulation comprising a purified chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention and a buffer comprising an increased ionic strength is provided. Embodiments wherein a formulation comprises an increased ionic concentration may increase stability of an enzyme formulation. For example, a preferred embodiment provides a formulation with about 1 M NaCl in sodium phosphate. The concentration of sodium phosphate may be about 50 mM. In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme storage concentration is below about 0.4 mg/ml.

In one embodiment, a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme formulation comprises about 0.4 mg/ml of a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention in about 100 mM Na phosphate, at a pH of about 7.4 with a preferred substrate specificity for chondroitin A, B, and C about the same.

Various embodiments provide a stable formulation of a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention for both storage and administration. Generally, the enzyme of such stable formulations exhibit at least about 50% of activity at about 24 hours, preferably at least about 75% of activity, more preferably at least about 85% of activity. In another aspect of the invention, the formulations consistently provide stable chondroitinase activity.

In another embodiment, a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme purification is provided comprising the following steps: 1) extracting the enzyme from a cell, 2) separating the crude cell extract using cation-exchange chromatography, 3) further separating the extract by a gel filtration chromatography, and 4) removing endotoxin through an anion-exchange membrane to produce a purified chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the invention. In an embodiment a purified chondroitinase ABCI of the invention is dialyzed into a volatile buffer, lyophilized and stored at ⁻80° C.

Chondroitinase activity can be stabilized by the addition of excipients or by lyophilization. Stabilizers include carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, and surfactants and are known to those skilled in the art. Examples include carbohydrates such as sucrose, lactose, mannitol, and dextran, proteins such as albumin and protamine, amino acids such as arginine, glycine, and threonine, surfactants such as TWEEN® and PLURONIC®, salts such as calcium chloride and sodium phosphate, and lipids such as fatty acids, phospholipids, and bile salts.

Chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes of the invention may be administered topically, locally or systemically. Topical or local administration is preferable for greater control of application. An enzyme of the invention, singularly or in combination with other enzymes of the invention or with other CSPG-degrading enzymes, can be mixed with an appropriate pharmaceutical carrier prior to administration. Administration includes delivery of the enzyme to the site of injury or site at which CSPGs to be degraded are found. Examples of generally used pharmaceutical carriers and additives are conventional diluents, binders, lubricants, coloring agents, disintegrating agents, buffer agents, isotonizing fatty acids, isotonizing agents, preservants, anesthetics, surfactants and the like, and are known to those skilled in the art. Pharmaceutical carriers that may be used include dextran, sucrose, lactose, maltose, xylose, trehalose, mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, inositol, serum albumin, gelatin, creatinine, polyethlene glycol, non-ionic surfactants (e.g. polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol) and similar compounds.

A treatment regimen according to the invention may be carried out by a means of administering a composition comprising a chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzyme of the present invention. The treatment regimen may further comprise administering chondroitinase ABCI, chondroitinase ABCII, chondroitinase AC and chondroitinase B or mammalian enzymes with chondroitinase-like activity such as hyaluronidases Hyal1, Hyal2, Hyal3, Hyal4 and PH20 to the lesions of the injured area of the CNS. The mode of administration, the timing of administration and the dosage are carried out such that the functional recovery from impairment of the CNS is enhanced by the promotion of neurite outgrowth.

The effective amount of chondroitinase can be administered in a single dosage, two dosages or a plurality of dosages. Although it is to be understood that the dosage may be administered at any time, in one embodiment, the dosage is administered within 12 hours after injury, or as soon as is feasible. In another embodiment, the dosage is administered to an injured mammal in one, two or a plurality of dosages; such dosages would be dependant on the severity of the injury and the amount of CSPGs present in the glial scarring. Where a plurality of dosages is administered, they may be delivered on a daily, weekly, or bi-weekly basis. The delivery of the dosages may be by means of catheter or syringe. Alternatively, the treatment can be administered during surgery to allow direct application to the glial scar.

For example, in some aspects, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound, as defined above, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined above.

The compounds of the present invention can be administered in the conventional manner by any route where they are active. Administration can be systemic, topical, or oral. For example, administration can be, but is not limited to, parenteral, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, transdermal, oral, buccal, or ocular routes, or intravaginally, by inhalation, by depot injections, or by implants. Thus, modes of administration for the compounds of the present invention (either alone or in combination with other pharmaceuticals) can be, but are not limited to, sublingual, injectable (including short-acting, depot, implant and pellet forms injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly), or by use of vaginal creams, suppositories, pessaries, vaginal rings, rectal suppositories, intrauterine devices, and transdermal forms such as patches and creams.

Specific modes of administration will depend on the indication. The selection of the specific route of administration and the dose regimen is to be adjusted or titrated by the clinician according to methods known to the clinician in order to obtain the optimal clinical response. The amount of compound to be administered is that amount which is therapeutically effective. The dosage to be administered will depend on the characteristics of the subject being treated, e.g., the particular animal treated, age, weight, health, types of concurrent treatment, if any, and frequency of treatments, and can be easily determined by one of skill in the art (e.g., by the clinician).

Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds of the present invention and a suitable carrier can be solid dosage forms which include, but are not limited to, tablets, capsules, cachets, pellets, pills, powders and granules; topical dosage forms which include, but are not limited to, solutions, powders, fluid emulsions, fluid suspensions, semi-solids, ointments, pastes, creams, gels and jellies, and foams; and parenteral dosage forms which include, but are not limited to, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and dry powder; comprising an effective amount of a polymer or copolymer of the present invention. It is also known in the art that the active ingredients can be contained in such formulations with pharmaceutically acceptable diluents, fillers, disintegrants, binders, lubricants, surfactants, hydrophobic vehicles, water soluble vehicles, emulsifiers, buffers, humectants, moisturizers, solubilizers, preservatives and the like. The means and methods for administration are known in the art and an artisan can refer to various pharmacologic references for guidance. For example, Modern Pharmaceutics, Banker & Rhodes, 4^(th) Ed., Informa Healthcare (2002); and Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics, 10th Ed., McGraw-Hill (2001) can be consulted.

The compounds of the present invention can be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, e.g., by bolus injection or continuous infusion. The compounds can be administered by continuous infusion subcutaneously over a period of about 15 minutes to about 24 hours. Formulations for injection can be presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative. The compositions can take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and can contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents.

For oral administration, the compounds can be formulated readily by combining these compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art. Such carriers enable the compounds of the invention to be formulated as tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions and the like, for oral ingestion by a patient to be treated. Pharmaceutical preparations for oral use can be obtained by adding a solid excipient, optionally grinding the resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores. Suitable excipients include, but are not limited to, fillers such as sugars, including, but not limited to, lactose, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, but not limited to, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents can be added, such as, but not limited to, the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.

Dragee cores can be provided with suitable coatings. For this purpose, concentrated sugar solutions can be used, which can optionally contain gum arabic, talc, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, and/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organic solvents or solvent mixtures. Dyestuffs or pigments can be added to the tablets or dragee coatings for identification or to characterize different combinations of active compound doses.

Pharmaceutical preparations which can be used orally include, but are not limited to, push-fit capsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. The push-fit capsules can contain the active ingredients in admixture with filler such as, e.g., lactose, binders such as, e.g., starches, and/or lubricants such as, e.g., talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers. In soft capsules, the active compounds can be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition, stabilizers can be added. All formulations for oral administration should be in dosages suitable for such administration.

For buccal administration, the compositions can take the form of, e.g., tablets or lozenges formulated in a conventional manner.

For administration by inhalation, the compounds for use according to the present invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit can be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of, e.g., gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator can be formulated containing a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.

The compounds of the present invention can also be formulated in rectal compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g., containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.

In addition to the formulations described previously, the compounds of the present invention can also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations can be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection.

Depot injections can be administered at about 1 to about 6 months or longer intervals. Thus, for example, the compounds can be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.

In transdermal administration, the compounds of the present invention, for example, can be applied to a plaster, or can be applied by transdermal, therapeutic systems that are consequently supplied to the organism.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds also can comprise suitable solid or gel phase carriers or excipients. Examples of such carriers or excipients include but are not limited to calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, and polymers such as, e.g., polyethylene glycols.

The compounds of the present invention can also be administered in combination with other active ingredients, such as, for example, adjuvants, protease inhibitors, or other compatible drugs or compounds where such combination is seen to be desirable or advantageous in achieving the desired effects of the methods described herein.

The following methods are used to illustrate the various embodiments of the present invention. The methods are exemplary methods and are not meant to limit the invention.

Example 1

The present example illustrates the generation of exemplary chondroitinase ABCI mutant enzymes and nucleic acids according to the present invention.

Cloning of Wildtype cABCI:

Chondroitinase ABCI was generated by PCR using the full-length cDNA from P. vulgaris and cloned in the pET15b expression vector at the NdeI and BamHI sites. The vector was expressed in E. coli (Prabhakar V, et al. Biochem J. 2005).

Random Mutagenesis of cABCI:

The chondroitinase ABCI gene was divided into four modules. Random mutagenesis was performed on each individual module, using the Genemorph II kit (Stratagene) to create a product containing 1-2 amino acid changes per mutant. Products were cloned and transformed into E. coli DH10B such that the number of colonies obtained containing the correct clone structure was at least 5-times the number of individual mutant genes predicted to exist in the DNA population. The colonies were pooled and plasmid DNA was purified and used to transform the expression strain, BL21.

Thermal Stress Assay:

E. coli strains expressing the mutated cABCI enzymes were clonally plated for growth and induction (Overnight Express, Novagen) in 96-well plates. E. coli expressing the wildtype enzyme were also included. Total protein was extracted from the resulting bacterial pellets using BPER (PIERCE) followed by a 1:50 dilution with PBS. Samples were subjected to a thermal stress of 42 degrees C. in a humidified incubator for 2 hours. Samples were then mixed with an equal volume of 0.25 mg/ml chondroitin sulfate C (Sigma), a substrate of cABCI which results in the cleavage of the GAG chains. After a 10 minute room temperature incubation, DMB reagent was added, and absorbance at 660 nm was measured. Positive hits with absorbance measurements greater than the wildtype enzyme on the same plate were counted as positive hits, indicating greater activity after thermal stress.

Creation of Recombined Library:

The ten most thermal resistant clones from modules A, B and C were recombined in a random fashion to produce a combinatorial product library. The PCR products from each module were combined in an equimolar ratio, with one molar equivalent of the corresponding wild type also present. This created a pool of 9 variant sequences for Module C, and a pool of 11 variants for both Modules A and B. A 3-way ligation was performed in which each module could only be ligated in the correct orientation with the appropriate flanking module(s) and ligated into pET15b vector DNA to produce expression clones containing full-length cABCI. The total size of this library is 1089 variant cABCI sequences. The number of colonies obtained containing the correct clone structure was at least 5-times the number of individual mutant genes predicted. The ligation was weighted to mostly produce clones containing two or three mutant modules, thereby creating new combinations of the mutations identified in the initial screening “hits.”

Example 2

The present example illustrates exemplary chondroitinase mutant enzymes of the present invention.

Thermally stable mutants were confirmed to be generated through the process of molecular evolution. The modified DMB assay identified clones with greater thermal stability at 42 degrees C. for 2 hours when compared to wildtype cABCI. Stability at this temperature is likely to confer greater stability at 37 degrees C., enabling ease of handling and delivery for in vivo studies, as indwelling mini-pumps could be utilized for dosing. Individual modules resulted in an expected range of positive hits overall as defined by study parameters.

Clones having increased thermal stability were characterized by sequencing. All nucleotide and amino acid sequences are indicated as the wild-type and then the mutant version (Wild-type to Mutant).

Chondroitinase ABCI Amino Acid Chondroitinase ABCI Nucleotide mutant enzyme (protein) sequence mutant (nucleic acid) sequence 055D2-3 protein E256 to K256 055D2-3 nucleic acid T450 to C450 (SEQ ID NO. 1) (SEQ ID NO. 9) G766 to A766 C2295 to T2295 079B6-2 protein D683 to N683 079B6-2 nucleic acid G2047 to A2047 (SEQ ID NO. 2) (SEQ ID NO. 10) 079D2-2 protein 079D2-2 nucleic acid A1773 to G1773 (SEQ ID NO. 3) (SEQ ID NO. 11) G1980 to A1980 T2068 to C2068 A2076 to G2076 057G1-1 protein 057G1-1 nucleic acid G483 to A483 (SEQ ID NO. 4) (SEQ ID NO. 12) T1110 to C1110 T1821 to C1821 023G6-4 protein I919 to F919 023G6-4 nucleic acid A2755 to T2755 (SEQ ID NO. 5) A736 to P736 (SEQ ID NO. 13) G2206 to C2206 005B12-3 protein E296 to K296 005B12-3 nucleic acid G985 to A985 (SEQ ID NO. 6) (SEQ ID NO. 14)

Example 3 Stability Assessment—Bacterial Lysate 37° C. Stability

Wildtype and variant chondroitinase ABCI expressing E. coli were expanded and expressed in 96-well plates. Protein extracts were prepared from the resulting bacterial pellets. Pellets were lysed with BPER (Pierce) for ten minutes at room temperature and spun at 1000 g to pellet any unsolublized material. The supernatants were transferred to new containers. Protein content was normalized using a BCA protein assay. Lysates were also run on SDS-PAGE gels and Coomassie stained. The amount of enzyme produced was measured using GeneTools software (Syngene) comparing the size of the enzyme band to all other extracted protein bands (histogram copied in at end of document.) Percent of enzyme on the basis of total cell lysate protein is shown in FIG. 1.

Samples were subjected to a thermal stress of 37 degrees C. in a humidified incubator. Activity was measured incrementally over time using a colorimetric DMB (Dimethyl, methylene blue) assay. Samples were mixed with an equal volume of 0.25 mg/ml chondroitin sulfate C, a substrate of chondroitinase ABCI which results in the cleavage of the GAG chains. After a ten minute room temperature incubation DMB reagent was added and the absorbance at 660 nm was measured. Results are depicted in FIG. 2 and in Tables 1A and 1B below.

TABLE 1A Time (days) at 37 degrees C. 0.00 0.71 1.00 1.65 2.81 3.69 4.69 9.69 11.69 057G1-1 0.94 1.04 0.88 1.05 0.90 1.18 1.04 0.90 0.69 023G6-4 0.94 1.06 1.03 1.05 0.92 1.22 1.04 1.04 1.08 005B12-3 0.97 1.08 0.91 1.10 0.93 1.24 1.11 1.09 0.97 079D2-2 0.93 1.06 0.92 1.05 0.90 1.18 1.02 0.85 0.72 079B6-2 0.93 1.08 0.89 1.05 1.05 1.18 1.07 1.12 1.12 021B8-3 0.97 1.07 0.91 1.08 0.95 1.22 1.08 1.07 0.92 055D2-3 0.92 1.03 0.86 1.06 0.92 1.15 1.04 1.03 0.92 +cABC1 0.95 1.07 1.02 1.09 0.18 0.09 0.03 0.08 −0.03

TABLE 1B Time (days) at 37 degrees C. (continued) 13.69 16.69 18.69 20.69 23.69 25.69 27.69 31.69 57G1-1 0.30 0.20 0.19 −0.01 0.06 0.09 0.11 0.08 023G6-4 1.00 0.95 0.60 0.01 0.09 0.16 0.18 0.05 005B12-3 0.63 0.49 0.46 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.09 0.15 079D2-2 0.32 0.28 0.32 0.06 0.18 0.23 0.09 0.08 079B6-2 1.07 1.07 0.94 0.73 0.38 0.42 0.27 0.14 021B8-3 0.42 0.19 0.15 0.08 0.22 0.10 0.10 0.03 055D2-3 0.57 0.21 0.29 0.30 0.21 0.14 0.14 0.11 +cABC1 0.02 −0.13 0.06 −0.01 0.05 0.06 0.09 0.05

Example 4 Semi-Purified 37° C. Stability

All enzymes from wildtype and variant chondroitinase ABCI expressing E. coli were purified using a high speed SP column. Protein samples were normalized by A280 to match the absorbance reading of the native enzyme (0.35) by dilution in elution buffer (20 mM NaAcetate+250 mM NaCl). A fully purified cABCI enzyme was also reconstituted and diluted to an A280 of 0.35 same as the native semi-purified sample. Initial activity readings were taken for all samples using a chondroitin C substrate spectrophotometric assay. The assay measures the product produced by the digestion of chondroitin sulfate C over time at A232. Samples were subjected to a thermal stress of 37 degrees C. in a humidified incubator. Activity readings were taken every day until the native sample lost all activity. Assaying of remaining samples continued 3 times a week. Activity readings displayed as percent of total activity retained for a few variants are presented in FIG. 3 and in Tables 2A and 2B below.

TABLE 2A Time (days) at 37dC 0.50 1.50 2.50 3.79 4.79 5.79 cABCI 56.43 34.45 25.48 14.42 8.63 5.77 023G6-1 58.32 42.28 41.70 31.96 24.61 19.82 079B6-2 65.23 54.21 44.96 35.14 19.09 17.93 cABCI- 33.78 18.64 11.21 4.51 1.59 0.66 Purified

TABLE 2B 6.79 8.79 11.79 13.79 15.79 18.79 cABCI 3.55 2.23 0.74 0.00 0.00 0.00 023G6-1 15.23 12.41 9.00 6.74 3.76 1.86 079B6-2 13.89 10.76 5.02 2.89 1.51 1.10 cABCI- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Purified

Example 5 Stability of Mutant Chondroitinase Following UV Treatment

After growth and expression, a chondroitinase mutant is extracted using BPER (Pierce) as above and exposed to UV light. The chondroitin lyase activity is measured by a DMB assay.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and exemplified above, but is capable of variation and modification within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding a mutant chondroitinase ABC I enzyme, wherein the recombinant nucleic acid sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:
 9. 2. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid sequence encodes the mutant chondroitinase ABC I enzyme comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 3. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is expressed by a vector.
 4. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence of claim 3, wherein the vector is selected from a plasmid, a yeast vector, a mammalian vector, a single stranded phage, a double stranded phage, a viral vector, artificial chromosome, and a combination thereof.
 5. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence of claim 4, wherein the artificial chromosome is selected from bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), plasmid artificial chromosome (PAC), yeast artificial chromosome (YAC), and mammalian artificial chromosome (MAC).
 6. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence of claim 4, wherein the plasmid is selected from a pBR322-derived plasmid, a pEMBL-derived plasmid, a pEX-derived plasmid, a pBTac-derived plasmid, or a pUC-derived plasmid.
 7. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence of claim 4, wherein the yeast vector is selected from YEp24, YIp5, YEp51, YEp52, pYES2, and YRP17.
 8. An expression vector comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding a mutant chondroitinase ABC I enzyme, wherein the recombinant nucleic acid sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:
 9. 9. The expression vector of claim 8, wherein the recombinant nucleic acid sequence encodes the mutant chondroitinase ABC I enzyme comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 10. The expression vector of claim 8, wherein the vector is selected from a plasmid, a yeast vector, a mammalian vector, a single stranded phage, a double stranded phage, a viral vector, artificial chromosome, and a combination thereof.
 11. A method of making an expression vector comprising: ligating a recombinant nucleic acid sequence to an expression vector, wherein the recombinant nucleic acid sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 9 and encodes a mutant chondroitinase ABC I enzyme.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the recombinant nucleic acid sequence encodes the mutant chondroitinase ABC I enzyme comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the expression vector is selected from a plasmid, a yeast vector, a mammalian vector, a single stranded phage, a double stranded phage, a viral vector, artificial chromosome, and a combination thereof.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the artificial chromosome is selected from bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), plasmid artificial chromosome (PAC), yeast artificial chromosome (YAC), and mammalian artificial chromosome (MAC).
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the plasmid is selected from a pBR322-derived plasmid, a pEMBL-derived plasmid, a pEX-derived plasmid, a pBTac-derived plasmid, and a pUC-derived plasmid.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the yeast vector is selected from YEp24, YIp5, YEp51, YEp52, pYES2, and YRP17. 